Lupine Echoes

Chapter 8: Haunting Ambiguities

Jaden emerged from the elevator onto the 18th floor of Van Boxtel Technologies, immediately sensing a shift in the atmosphere compared to his last visit. The floor was now heavily fortified with advanced security: new biometric scanners hummed quietly, motion sensors blinked with understated urgency, and uniformed guards were meticulously positioned at key points. The recent breach into their data vault had evidently prompted an intense overhaul of their security protocols.

As he made his way down the hallway, Jaden was aware of a security guard shadowing his steps. The guard had been with him since the lobby, where he had checked Jaden's ID and accompanied him through the various checkpoints. Jaden did his best to ignore the feeling of being under constant surveillance and instead focused on the task at hand.

When they reached Weston's office, the guard gave a courteous nod and stepped aside. Jaden opened the door to find the office vacant. Weston was clearly occupied with a meeting, indicated by the closed door leading to the adjoining conference room and the faint murmur of voices beyond. Jaden settled into one of the leather chairs, trying to relax as he waited. His attention drifted to the flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, which displayed a flickering stream of the latest news.

The news anchor, a sharply dressed man with an intense expression, addressed the camera with a grave tone. The scrolling headline at the bottom of the screen read, Heng Qi (恒气岛) Executes Ultra-Tellurians Amid Rebellion Suppression.

"Turning to breaking developments from Heng Qi," the anchor began, "the island city-state in East Asia, under the rule of Supreme Leader Xiong Jianpei, has erupted in controversy. Xiong Jianpei has ordered the execution of ten ultra-tellurians, accusing them of incitement and attempting to stir rebellion against his regime. This brutal act has sent shockwaves through the supernatural community."

The broadcast cut to a split-screen featuring an interview with Luke Sadberry, a high-profile member of the Cataclysm Federation Governing Council. Sadberry maintained a carefully controlled expression.

"And we have joining us today is Councilman Luke Sadberry from Veridian City," the anchor continued. "Councilman, how does the Federation view these events?"

Sadberry's voice was calm and diplomatic. "Thank you for having me. It's indeed a tragic situation unfolding in Heng Qi. The actions of Supreme Leader Xiong Jianpei are profoundly concerning. However, I must clarify that Heng Qi is not a member of the Cataclysm Federation. The Federation was formed through the voluntary willingness of major metropolises around the world to join together for better governance of supernatural affairs. It's a collaborative effort—what we call joint-metropolitanism. Our role is to facilitate cooperation and establish standards, but we cannot impose our governance methods on entities that choose not to be part of the Federation."

The anchor pressed gently, "But doesn't this situation highlight a moral dilemma? Some have even suggested that the Federation is isolating itself, failing to address the moral obligation to support those with extranormal abilities who are suffering. Should the Federation not take a more active role in addressing such injustices, especially when they involve the broader community of extranormal beings?"

Sadberry's tone remained firm. "The Federation's role is to respect the sovereignty of non-member states while advocating for cooperative solutions among our members. We are committed to promoting ethical governance within our jurisdictions, but overstepping into other regions could undermine the cooperative spirit that the Federation is built upon. Our role has never been to act as an imperialistic force."

Jaden tapped his fingers restlessly on the armrests of his chair, his thoughts whirling. The disparity between the Federation's polished diplomatic rhetoric and the grim reality displayed on the screen was unsettling. Just then, the office door swung open with a quiet groan, and Weston entered, his expression a blend of businesslike efficiency and mild surprise at finding Jaden already there.